Walter Boy
Origin(s)
PronunciationWAL-ter / /ˈwɔːltər/German; Old High German
Meaning
German: ruler of the army; Old High German: powerful warrior
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Walter has its roots in the Germanic elements "wald" meaning "rule" and "heri" meaning "army." The name was originally recorded in the form of "Walthari" in Old High German, which later evolved into "Walter" as it passed through various linguistic stages. The name made its way into Old French as "Gautier" before being adopted into Middle English, where it became widely used among the Anglo-Norman nobility following the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century.
Historically, Walter has been borne by several notable figures, including Walter of St. Victor, a 12th-century theologian, and Walter Raleigh, the English explorer and writer of the late 16th century. The name also appears in various medieval texts, including the works of Geoffrey Chaucer, who used it in his writings during the late 14th century. Additionally, the name Walter is found in the context of the Bible, particularly in translations like the King James Bible, which contributed to its recognition in English-speaking cultures.
Culturally, the name Walter has been associated with strength and leadership due to its etymological roots. It has been used in various literary and historical contexts, symbolizing nobility and valor. The diminutive form "Walt" has also emerged, reflecting a more informal and affectionate usage. Overall, Walter has maintained a significant presence in European history and literature, embodying qualities of authority and military prowess.
Trend Summary
Walter has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, peaking in the early 20th century and gradually declining in recent decades.
Similar Names
Variants
- Walt
- Walther
International Variants
- Gualtiero (Italian)
- Valter (Scandinavian)
- Walther (German)
Famous people named Walter
Walter White is a fictional character best known for the television series Breaking Bad.
Walter Cronkite is a journalist best known for his role as a news anchor on CBS Evening News.
Walter Payton is a former professional football player best known for his career with the Chicago Bears.
Walter Mitty is a fictional character best known for the short story The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and its film adaptations.
Walter Becker was a musician best known as a co-founder of the band Steely Dan.
Walter Gropius was an architect best known for founding the Bauhaus school of design.
Walter Scott was a writer best known for his historical novels such as Ivanhoe and Rob Roy.
Walter Lippmann was a journalist and author best known for his work in political commentary and the book Public Opinion.
Walter Benjamin was a philosopher and cultural critic best known for his essays on aesthetics and modernity.
Walter Isaacson is a biographer and journalist best known for his biographies of Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein, and Leonardo da Vinci.
Walter Salles is a film director best known for directing The Motorcycle Diaries and Central Station.
Walter Hill is a film director and producer best known for directing The Warriors and 48 Hrs.
Walter Koenig is an actor best known for his role as Pavel Chekov in Star Trek.
Walter Murch is a film editor and sound designer best known for his work on Apocalypse Now and The English Patient.
Walter Mosley is an author best known for his Easy Rawlins mystery series.
Walter Cronkite is a television journalist best known for his work as a news anchor for CBS News.
Fictional characters named Walter
Walter White is a fictional character from the TV series Breaking Bad. He is a high school chemistry teacher who turns to cooking methamphetamine after being diagnosed with cancer.
Walter Mitty is a fictional character from the short story 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' by James Thurber. He is a daydreamer who escapes his mundane life through vivid fantasies of adventure and heroism.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Walter was first seen in the United States in 1880. Walter has ranked as high as #22 nationally, which occurred in 1918, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, California, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Walter has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Walter (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
TX | 90 | |
CA | 75 | |
GA | 57 | |
WI | 56 | |
OH | 48 | |
MI | 48 | |
MN | 48 | |
NY | 48 | |
NC | 46 | |
PA | 45 | |
MO | 44 | |
TN | 43 | |
IL | 40 | |
FL | 37 | |
WA | 36 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 1,755 |
1881 | 1,670 |
1882 | 1,805 |
1883 | 1,705 |
1884 | 1,902 |
1885 | 1,808 |
1886 | 1,880 |
1887 | 1,704 |
1888 | 2,040 |
1889 | 1,916 |
1890 | 1,905 |
1891 | 1,668 |
1892 | 2,229 |
1893 | 2,004 |
1894 | 2,010 |
1895 | 2,015 |
1896 | 2,017 |
1897 | 1,895 |
1898 | 2,002 |
1899 | 1,750 |
1900 | 2,298 |
1901 | 1,718 |
1902 | 1,858 |
1903 | 1,840 |
1904 | 1,873 |
1905 | 1,902 |
1906 | 1,934 |
1907 | 2,095 |
1908 | 2,192 |
1909 | 2,287 |
1910 | 2,596 |
1911 | 3,074 |
1912 | 5,809 |
1913 | 6,890 |
1914 | 8,962 |
1915 | 11,255 |
1916 | 11,760 |
1917 | 12,582 |
1918 | 13,338 |
1919 | 12,879 |
1920 | 13,294 |
1921 | 13,004 |
1922 | 12,631 |
1923 | 12,433 |
1924 | 12,696 |
1925 | 12,130 |
1926 | 11,774 |
1927 | 11,346 |
1928 | 10,651 |
1929 | 9,850 |
1930 | 9,731 |
1931 | 8,940 |
1932 | 8,668 |
1933 | 7,755 |
1934 | 8,092 |
1935 | 7,816 |
1936 | 7,536 |
1937 | 7,486 |
1938 | 7,559 |
1939 | 7,323 |
1940 | 7,723 |
1941 | 7,746 |
1942 | 8,681 |
1943 | 9,035 |
1944 | 8,159 |
1945 | 7,574 |
1946 | 8,668 |
1947 | 9,217 |
1948 | 8,627 |
1949 | 8,296 |
1950 | 7,798 |
1951 | 8,037 |
1952 | 7,899 |
1953 | 7,509 |
1954 | 7,486 |
1955 | 7,299 |
1956 | 7,020 |
1957 | 6,706 |
1958 | 6,313 |
1959 | 6,129 |
1960 | 5,766 |
1961 | 5,467 |
1962 | 5,280 |
1963 | 5,066 |
1964 | 4,844 |
1965 | 4,484 |
1966 | 4,056 |
1967 | 3,810 |
1968 | 3,589 |
1969 | 3,570 |
1970 | 3,584 |
1971 | 3,356 |
1972 | 2,917 |
1973 | 2,627 |
1974 | 2,487 |
1975 | 2,358 |
1976 | 2,102 |
1977 | 2,185 |
1978 | 1,991 |
1979 | 2,122 |
1980 | 2,010 |
1981 | 1,990 |
1982 | 1,912 |
1983 | 1,767 |
1984 | 1,689 |
1985 | 1,689 |
1986 | 1,715 |
1987 | 1,574 |
1988 | 1,610 |
1989 | 1,612 |
1990 | 1,614 |
1991 | 1,539 |
1992 | 1,421 |
1993 | 1,356 |
1994 | 1,152 |
1995 | 1,062 |
1996 | 1,035 |
1997 | 1,027 |
1998 | 896 |
1999 | 918 |
2000 | 949 |
2001 | 826 |
2002 | 833 |
2003 | 775 |
2004 | 766 |
2005 | 770 |
2006 | 850 |
2007 | 810 |
2008 | 764 |
2009 | 789 |
2010 | 784 |
2011 | 801 |
2012 | 805 |
2013 | 939 |
2014 | 987 |
2015 | 1,157 |
2016 | 1,172 |
2017 | 1,366 |
2018 | 1,313 |
2019 | 1,282 |
2020 | 1,240 |
2021 | 1,281 |
2022 | 1,278 |
2023 | 1,274 |
2024 | 1,264 |